Author: Bryan Gibson

Weekly Bulletin
October 2, 2016

What a Day May Bring Forth
by Steve Klein
Car accidents killed 42,643 people in the United States in the year 2003. 4,749 of those killed were pedestrians. Statistically, about 15 out of every 100,000 people die in auto accidents each year. On the day they died, those who lost their lives surely did not leave their homes in the morning thinking, “Today I am going to die in a car wreck.” Similarly, most of the 494,382 people who lost their lives to heart attack and coronary disease in the United States in the year 2002 died unexpectedly. Few who are murdered or receive a diagnosis of terminal illness expect it. These are just some of the more tragic life-ending surprises that occur every day.
It's been said that, “The one certain thing that we can say about the future, is that we can't say anything for certain!” The Bible says, “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth” (Proverbs 27:1). Not only do we not know what will happen tomorrow, the reality is that there may not even be a tomorrow.
In a life filled with uncertainty, Jesus would have us understand that the only safe course is to make certain that we are prepared for eternity. “Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (Matthew 24:44). “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming” (Matthew 25:13). Notice the words “ready” and “watch” in these verses. They convey the ideas of being constantly prepared and alert with anticipation.
There is wisdom in living every day as if it were your last. One day, it will be. Complete faith and trust in a God who is eternal, absolute and unchanging is the only reasonable way to deal with an existence that is temporary, uncertain and ever changing. This is what it means to “watch” and be “ready.” “Lord, make me to know my end, and what is the measure of my days, that I may know how frail I am; My hope is in You” (Psalm 39:4, 7).
You Really Need to be Here
We live in a day when perhaps more emphasis is put on the “individual” aspect of life than the “together” part. People nowadays tend to see themselves more as individuals, living their own independent lives, rather than as a part of a larger network of relationships, as was truer in the past. Maybe this is because of the changes in society that have scattered our families so far and wide. No longer do many of us live in close proximity to our “extended family.” The result is that we tend to live “isolated” lives, just taking care of ourselves and not having much to do with those around us. Sometimes we don’t even know our next-door-neighbors!
But as Christians, we need, in some ways, to resist this tendency toward “radical” individualism. God has designed the plan of salvation such that there is a together part, as well as an individual part. We’re not saved on the “group plan,” certainly. But it’s still a fact that God has set up the local church to be an important part of that which aids and helps us on our way to heaven. We can’t neglect the “together” part of Christianity without some serious negative consequences.
God has authorized the local church to meet together on a regular basis (Acts 2:42; 11:26; 20:7; etc.). One thing that takes places in such assemblies, obviously, is the worship and glorification of God. But it is God’s will that something else takes place, too. We are to edify one another when we assemble as the church. The Hebrew writer said, “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24,25).
No doubt there’ll be times when circumstances beyond our control keep us from the assembly. But when we’re choosing between our priorities, there ought not to be any higher priority than being with the Lord’s people whenever they meet.

Contact Information
	P.O. Box 680872 / Prattville, AL 36067
	(334) 365-5887 / (334) 868-0801
	prattmont@knology.net / prattmontchurchofchrist.org

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The Prattmont Church of Christ is just what the name suggests, a church that belongs to Christ. We are not a denomination; we are simply a group of Christians trying very hard to practice the teachings of our Head, Jesus Christ. The New Testament offers a complete pattern for what each local church should be like—its organization, its worship, its work, etc. We are committed to following that pattern. We cordially invite you to attend our services. We would also welcome any comments or questions about this bulletin.

TIMES OF SERVICES:
Sunday
Bible Study 9:00 A.M.
Worship 10:00 A.M.
Training Class 5:00 P.M.
Worship 6:00 P.M.
Wednesday:
Bible Study 7:00 P.M.